Avowed isn't a revolutionary game, but it's a delightful RPG that will capture the hearts of exploration enthusiasts. It evokes the spirit of Morrowind, that iconic RPG which redefined immersive worlds long before modern standards. Morrowind made every rock, bush, mountain, and even the ocean floor feel like a potential adventure. Obsidian Entertainment has successfully recreated that sense of discovery in Avowed.
Table of Contents
- The World of Pillars of Eternity
- A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise
- Treasures Beneath Every Stone
- Stories Waiting to Be Discovered
- Endless Possibilities and Exploration
Set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, Avowed welcomes players to a richly detailed world, no prior knowledge of the series required. While familiarity enhances the experience, the story unfolds organically through dialogue and environmental clues.
You play an emissary chosen by the Emperor of Aedyr, sent to the Living Lands to investigate a strange fungal plague affecting souls, driving people to madness. In this world, souls have a life cycle, passing into oblivion and eventually reincarnating. The protagonist is unique; touched by a god at birth (though which one remains a mystery), this divine touch manifests as unusual plant-like growths on their head, causing fear in some.
A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise
Arrival in the Living Lands is anything but peaceful; your ship is attacked by maddened Aedyran guards. Reaching the port city of Paradise (a name both ironic and apt), you find high-ranking officials missing, the gates closed, and chaos reigning. A classic RPG setup, indeed!
Exploration immediately reveals the joy of discovery. My first act? Diving into the sea near the port, uncovering sunken riches while narrowly avoiding a watery grave. From there, a smugglers' camp, eavesdropping, a close call—the adventure began immediately. Quests were eagerly accepted, and every corner explored.
Treasures Beneath Every Stone
One highlight: breaking into a locked house, looting it, then scaling scaffolding like a mountain goat to reach a lighthouse. The reward? A treasure map, rare boots with a unique history, and stunning views. As night fell, the glowing mushrooms revealed hidden paths and secrets.
This pattern repeats. A chest hidden under spiderwebs in the sewers (burn them away!), coins in a nest perched precariously on beams, a backpack filled with goodies hanging from a cliff, a sun-bleached skeleton below. Even throwing an ice grenade into the water temporarily freezes it, allowing access to submerged loot.
Stories Waiting to Be Discovered
Such moments are plentiful. Supplies appear unexpectedly on rooftops, behind waterfalls, atop hills—each leading to new quests, rare items, and intriguing scenarios. I stumbled upon a blind man and his grieving wife threatened by mercenaries, helped a nobleman retrieve a health-boosting ring (which I kept!), and discovered the tragic tale of two lovers who died together.
Following a trail led me through a reptilian camp and a fight with a formidable giant, testing my combat skills and equipment.
Endless Possibilities and Exploration
In just eight hours, countless adventures unfolded without focusing on the main quest or repetitive grinding. Exploration, experimentation with different builds, and discovering item interactions were the focus. Shield and staff? Heavy armor and melee weapons? Each choice opened new possibilities.
With unanswered questions and unexplored systems, my Avowed journey is far from over. A path of hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures awaits. Avowed delivers an endless sequence of discoveries, a testament to why RPGs remain captivating.